Exploring how health insurance affects patient health through provider networks

Does Health Insurance Promote Health through Providers and Networks?

NIH-funded research National Bureau of Economic Research · NIH-11093515

This study looks at how different health insurance plans affect the health of older Americans on Medicare Advantage by seeing how the quality of doctors and hospitals they use can change their health outcomes, so patients can make better choices when picking their insurance.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNational Bureau of Economic Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093515 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how different health insurance plans influence patient health outcomes by directing them to specific healthcare providers and facilities. It aims to develop new measures of insurance plan quality based on the quality of care provided by these networks. By analyzing the relationship between provider quality and patient outcomes, the research seeks to provide patients with better information for selecting health insurance plans. The focus is primarily on older Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, aiming to understand how these plans impact health outcomes at a broader level.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.

Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans or those with other types of health insurance may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower patients to choose health insurance plans that lead to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding provider networks can significantly impact patient outcomes, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.